Which action transitions the weapon from Condition 4 to Condition 3?

Transitioning a weapon from Condition 4 to Condition 3 involves specific actions related to the status of the firearm and the readiness for use. Condition 4 indicates that the weapon is unloaded, with no magazine inserted and the chamber empty. To move to Condition 3, the weapon must be loaded with a magazine inserted but with the chamber remaining empty.

The action known as "Make Ready" is precisely what facilitates this transition. During a Make Ready procedure, a magazine is inserted into the weapon, preparing it for use but ensuring that the chamber is still empty, thereby fulfilling the requirements of Condition 3. This is an essential step for readiness, especially in a training or tactical scenario where maintaining safety while also being equipped to respond quickly is critical.

Other actions like Cease Fire and Unload do not facilitate the transition to Condition 3; Cease Fire typically calls for a halt to firing and does not impact the weapon’s condition, while Unload would remove the weapon from a potentially ready state entirely. Firing the weapon would actually take it to a completely different condition, so it does not apply to transitioning to Condition 3.